Toothbrush



R. G. COOKE May 31, 1932.

TOOTHBRUSH Filed May 18, 1951' 2 Sheet-Sheet 1 1214/067'2 (plzf May 31, 1932. I G, CQOKE TOOTHBRUSH 7 Filed May 18, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I nvenlor Patented May 31, 1932 nirso STATES RUPERT GEORGE COOKE, on ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA TOOTHBR'U'SH Application filed May 18,

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in tooth brushes and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a tooth brush .8 embodying a novel construction and arrangement of parts whereby the same may be easily cleaned and maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a tooth brush of the character described having a flexible or bendable head to permit the same to conform substantially to the teeth when the tooth brush is in use.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a tooth brush of the character set forth embodying novel means through the medium of which the tongue may be cleaned.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a tooth brush which will be simple in construction, strong, durable, eflicient and reliable in use and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a tooth brush constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the tooth brush.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the brush looking toward the notched or recessed side thereof.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in plan showing the brush head flexed in one direction.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in plan showing the brush head flexed in the opposite direction.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of the invention.

Figure 7 is a View in plan showing the modified form of the brush flexed.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the reference numeral 1 de- 1931. Serial no. 538,357.

signates the brush handle having formed integrally with one end thereof the elongated head 2.

. Extending transversely into the head 2 from one of the longitudinal edges thereof and terminating in spaced relation to the other longitudinal edge of the head is a series of elongated notches or recesses 3, thus forming the spaced, parallel, transversely extending fingers 4 in which the bristles 5 are embedded in any suitable manner; The bristles 5 are also embedded in the portion of the head 2 which is free of the notches or recesses 3.

At its free end the handle 1 terminates in a curved hook portion providing a scraper or cleaner 6 for the tongue. The free end portion of the handle 1 may also be provided with an opening 7 for the passage of a nail or the like for suspending the tooth brush on a support when the same is not in use. The opening 7 is not necessary as the scraper 6 may be engaged over the nail or other support for suspending the tooth brush therefrom.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, it will be seen that the handle is designated by the reference numeral 8 and has formed integrally on one end thereof the head 9 which also is elongated. Extending into the head 9 alternately from the opposite longitudinal edges thereof and in staggered relation to each other are the notches or recesses 10. The bristles 11 are arranged in transverse rows as usual, and embedded in the head 9 between the notches or recesses 10.

On its free end the handle 8 is also provided with a turned back portion 12 providing, ascraper or cleaner for the tongue. The reference numeral 13 designates an opening in the free end portion of the handle 8 for the reception of a nail or other supporting element for suspending the hook therefrom. The opening 13 may be omitted and the tooth brush supported by engaging the portion 12 over the supporting element.

As may be apparent, the notches or recesses materially reduce the area of the brush head between the rows of bristles upon which dirt and other foreign matter may accumulate.

It will also be appreciated that the notches or recesses provide means whereby removal of dirt and other foreign matter which may accumulate around the bristles can be expeditiously removed, thereby rendering it comparatively easy to maintain the brush in a sanitary condition. The notches or :recesses also render theh'ead of the brush flexible as illustrated in the drawings to conform sub; stantially to the mouth and teeth when in use.

The tooth brush maybe formed ofany suitable material.

It is believed that the many advantages of a tooth brush constructed inaccordance with the present invention will be readily understood, and although the preferred embodiments. of-the invention are as illustrated "and described, it is to be understood that further changes in the' detaiils' of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts mayibe resorted to which will fall withinthe scope of the invention as c'laimed.

Whatris claimed is 2- l. A tooth "brush comprising sa handle, an

5 elongated head-on one end of thehandlefhaw mg a series of-elongated notches extending transversely 'thereinto. from one of its longitudinal edges, and bristles anounted on the head between the notches.

52. .A "tooth. brush comprising :a handle, an elongated head of flexible material formed integrally on one end ofithe hand-lie, said head havingia series of elongated notches extending. transversely-thereto trom one-0t .izt-s zlongitudinal edgesi and'terminating in. spaced "rel-ation to its other longitudinal edge, and transverse rows of bristles disposed on. the head between the notches.

..;A tooth brush comprisingsa handle, :an

40 elongated head on the handle having elongate d: notches extending transversely thereinto alternately from opposite longitudinalledges of the head, and ibristles :mount'ed -on the head between the notches.

4'5 4. A'toothtbrush comp rising ahandleya'n elongated head formed integrally with one end o'f the handle, said head-being oii -fleieible material and having. elongated "notches reX- tending. transversely :thereinto alternately from theoppositelongitudinal edgesot-said head, IIIdfilLIYiLIlSVQISe rows (if bristles embed- (led-min the head on one .side thereof between the *notches.

-In testimony whereof I afiix my-signature. 5 5 RUPERT GEORGE "GOOK'EQ 

